Stigmasterol Exerts an Anti-Melanoma Property through Down-Regulation of Reactive Oxygen Species and Programmed Cell Death Ligand 1 in Melanoma Cells.

Cancer immunotherapy as a promising anti-cancer strategy has been widely studied in recent years. Stigmasterol (STIG), a phytosterol, is known to have various pharmacological effects, including anti-inflammatory effects. However, the pharmacological role of STIG on melanoma immunotherapy has not been investigated. The present study demonstrates the anti-melanoma potency of STIG through the regulation of PD-L1 levels. The results reveal that STIG reduces reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels induced by hydrogen peroxide and increases glutathione levels decreased by α-MSH in B16F10 cells. Moreover, STIG significantly decreases melanin content and tyrosinase activities elevated by α-MSH. It also suppresses nitric oxide production induced by α-MSH. Additionally, STIG induces apoptosis with the up-regulation of PARP activation. STIG inhibits IFN-γ-induced PD-L1 expression and STAT1 phosphorylation levels. STIG also reverses the up-regulation of PD-L1 and phosphorylated STAT1 levels augmented by cisplatin, and STIG enhances CD8(+) T-cell-mediated cell death against B16F10 cells. These findings represent the first evidence of pro-apoptotic activity of STIG on melanoma cells through the down-regulation of ROS and PD-L1 pathways. Therefore, STIG may be an effective candidate for melanoma immunotherapy.

Maltol has anti-cancer effects via modulating PD-L1 signaling pathway in B16F10 cells.

Introduction: Among skin cancers, melanoma has a high mortality rate. Recent advances in immunotherapy, particularly through immune checkpoint modulation, have improved the clinical treatment of melanoma. Maltol has various bioactivities, including anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, but the anti-melanoma property of maltol remains underexplored. The aim of this work is to explore the anti-melanoma potential of maltol through regulating immune checkpoints. Methods: The immune checkpoint PD-L1 was analyzed using qPCR, immunoblots, and immunofluorescence. Melanoma sensitivity towards T cells was investigated via cytotoxicity, cell viability, and IL-2 assays employing CTLL-2 cells. Results: Maltol was found to reduce melanin contents, tyrosinase activity, and expression levels of tyrosinase and tyrosinase-related protein 1. Additionally, maltol suppressed the proliferative capacity of B16F10 and induced cell cycle arrest. Maltol increased apoptotic rates by elevating cleaved caspase-3 and PARP. The co-treatment with maltol and cisplatin revealed a synergistic effect on inhibiting growth and promoting apoptosis. Maltol suppressed IFN-γ-induced PD-L1 and cisplatin-upregulated PD-L1 by attenuating STAT1 phosphorylation, thereby enhancing cisplatin's cytotoxicity against B16F10. Maltol augmented sensitivity to CTLL-2 cell-regulated melanoma destruction, leading to an increase in IL-2 production. Discussion: These findings demonstrate that maltol restricts melanoma growth through the downregulation of PD-L1 and elicits T cell-mediated anti-cancer responses, overcoming PD-L1-mediated immunotherapy resistance of cisplatin. Therefore, maltol can be considered as an effective therapeutic agent against melanoma.

The Mixture of Natural Products SH003 Exerts Anti-Melanoma Effects through the Modulation of PD-L1 in B16F10 Cells.

Melanoma is the most invasive and lethal skin cancer. Recently, PD-1/PD-L1 pathway modulation has been applied to cancer therapy due to its remarkable clinical efficacy. SH003, a mixture of natural products derived from Astragalus membranaceus, Angelica gigas, and Trichosanthes kirilowii, and formononetin (FMN), an active constituent of SH003, exhibit anti-cancer and anti-oxidant properties. However, few studies have reported on the anti-melanoma activities of SH003 and FMN. This work aimed to elucidate the anti-melanoma effects of SH003 and FMN through the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway, using B16F10 cells and CTLL-2 cells. Results showed that SH003 and FMN reduced melanin content and tyrosinase activity induced by α-MSH. Moreover, SH003 and FMN suppressed B16F10 growth and arrested cells at the G2/M phase. SH003 and FMN also led to cell apoptosis with increases in PARP and caspase-3 activation. The pro-apoptotic effects were further enhanced when combined with cisplatin. In addition, SH003 and FMN reversed the increased PD-L1 and STAT1 phosphorylation levels induced by cisplatin in the presence of IFN-γ. SH003 and FMN also enhanced the cytotoxicity of CTLL-2 cells against B16F10 cells. Therefore, the mixture of natural products SH003 demonstrates therapeutic potential in cancer treatment by exerting anti-melanoma effects through the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway.

Correction: Han et al. Dexamethasone Attenuates Oncostatin M Production via Suppressing of PI3K/Akt/NF-κB Signaling in Neutrophil-like Differentiated HL-60 Cells. Molecules 2022, 27, 129.

In the original article [...].

Hydrogen Sulfide Downregulates Oncostatin M Expression via PI3K/Akt/NF-κB Signaling Processes in Neutrophil-like Differentiated HL-60 Cells.

The cytokine oncostatin M (OSM) is regarded as a critical mediator in various inflammatory responses. While the gaseous signaling molecule hydrogen sulfide (H2S) plays a role in a variety of pathophysiological conditions, such as hypertension, inflammatory pain, osteoarthritis, ischemic stroke, oxidative stress, retinal degeneration, and inflammatory responses, the underlying mechanism of H2S action on OSM expression in neutrophils needs to be clarified. In this work, we studied how H2S reduces OSM expression in neutrophil-like differentiated (d)HL-60 cells. To evaluate the effects of H2S, sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS, a donor that produces H2S), ELISA, real-time PCR (qPCR), immunoblotting, and immunofluorescence staining were utilized. Although exposure to granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) resulted in upregulated levels of production and mRNA expression of OSM, these upregulated levels were reduced by pretreatment with NaHS in dHL-60 cells. Similarly, the same pretreatment lowered phosphorylated levels of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, Akt, and nuclear factor-kB that had been elevated by stimulation with GM-CSF. Overall, our results indicated that H2S could be a therapeutic agent for inflammatory disorders via suppression of OSM.

The Protective Effect of a Functional Food Consisting of Astragalus membranaceus, Trichosanthes kirilowii, and Angelica gigas or Its Active Component Formononetin against Inflammatory Skin Disorders through Suppression of TSLP via MDM2/HIF1α Signaling Pathways.

An herbal mixture (SH003) of Astragalus membranaceus, Trichosanthes kirilowii, and Angelica gigas exhibits therapeutic effects on carcinomas and immunosuppression. However, the role of JRP-SNF102, which is an advanced mixture of SH003, in regulating inflammatory responses is unexplored. We aim to substantiate the therapeutic potential of JRP-SNF102 and its active component, formononetin (FMN), as a functional food that moderates inflammatory responses. The inhibitory effects of JRP-SNF102 or FMN on thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) levels were evaluated in phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) plus A23187-activated human mast cell line-1 (HMC-1) cells and a mouse model of PMA-induced ear edema. The JRP-SNF102 or FMN inhibited the secretion and mRNA expression of TSLP and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the activated HMC-1 cells. The expression levels of murine double minute 2 (MDM2), hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF1α), and NF-κB were also suppressed by JRP-SNF102 or FMN in the activated HMC-1 cells. The JRP-SNF102 or FMN inhibited TSLP and VEGF levels, attenuating redness and ear thickness in mice with acute ear edema; JRP-SNF102 or FMN reduced the expression levels of MDM2, HIF1α, and NF-κB in the ear tissues. These findings suggest the potential for JRP-SNF102 as a functional food in the treatment of inflammatory skin disorders through suppression of TSLP and VEGF.

Resveratrol Downregulates Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor-Induced Oncostatin M Production through Blocking of PI3K/Akt/NF-κB Signal Cascade in Neutrophil-like Differentiated HL-60 Cells.

Oncostatin M (OSM) is essential in a wide range of inflammatory responses, and most OSM is produced by neutrophils in respiratory diseases. While resveratrol (RES) is regarded as an anti-inflammatory agent in a variety of conditions, the mechanism of OSM inhibition by RES in neutrophils remains to be elucidated. In this study, we investigated whether RES could inhibit OSM production in neutrophil-like differentiated (d)HL-60 cells. The effects of RES were measured by means of an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, real-time polymerase chain reaction, and Western blotting. Increases in production and mRNA expression of OSM resulted from the addition of granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) in neutrophil-like dHL-60 cells; however, these increases were downregulated by RES treatment. Exposure to GM-CSF led to elevations of phosphorylation of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), Akt, and nuclear factor (NF)-kB. Treatment with RES induced downregulation of the phosphorylated levels of PI3K, Akt, and NF-κB in neutrophil-like dHL-60 cells. These results suggest that RES could be applicable to prevent and/or treat inflammatory disorders through blockade of OSM.

SBT (Composed of Panax ginseng and Aconitum carmichaeli) and Stigmasterol Enhances Nitric Oxide Production and Exerts Curative Properties as a Potential Anti-Oxidant and Immunity-Enhancing Agent.

Immune dysregulation is a risk factor for several diseases, including infectious diseases. Immunostimulatory agents have been used for the treatment of immune dysregulation, but deleterious adverse effects have been reported. The present study aims to establish the anti-oxidant and immunity-enhancing effects of Sambu-Tang (SBT), composed of Panax ginseng and Aconitum carmichaeli, and stigmasterol (Stig), an active compound of SBT. Immune-related factors were analyzed in RAW264.7 macrophage cells, mouse primary splenocytes, and the serum and spleen of cyclophosphamide-induced immunosuppressed mice. Results showed that the production levels of nitric oxide (NO) and expression levels of inducible NO synthase and heme oxygenase-1 were increased following SBT or Stig treatment in RAW264.7 cells. SBT or Stig increased the production levels of G-CSF, IFN-γ, IL-12, IL-2, IL-6, and TNF-α and induced the activation of NF-κB in RAW264.7 cells. SBT or Stig promoted splenic lymphocyte proliferation and increased splenic NK cell cytotoxic activity. In addition, SBT or Stig enhanced the levels of IFN-γ, IL-12, IL-2, IL-6, or TNF-α in the serum and spleen of the immunosuppressed mice. SBT or Stig increased the superoxide dismutase activity in the spleen. Collectively, SBT and Stig possess anti-oxidant and immunomodulatory activities, so they may be considered effective natural compounds for the treatment of various symptoms caused by immune dysregulation.

A mixture of Panax ginseng and Scrophularia buergeriana improves immune function in an immunosuppressed murine model.

BACKGROUND: Immunomodulatory drugs are currently used for immunosuppressed individuals, but adverse side effects have been reported. Although Panax ginseng and Scrophularia buergeriana are known to have respective pharmacological properties, the potential of a mixture of Panax ginseng and Scrophularia buergeriana (Isam-Tang, IST) as an immunomodulatory drug has not yet been studied. PURPOSE: The present study was designed to assess the immunomodulatory activity of IST and p-coumaric acid (pCA), an active compound of IST, in the immune system. METHODS: The levels of immunostimulatory cytokines, nitrite, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), NF-kB activation, and proliferation were examined in RAW264.7 cells, primary splenocytes and splenic NK cells isolated from normal mouse spleen, and in cyclophosphamide-induced immunosuppressed mice using ELISA, quantitative real-time PCR, Western blotting, and immunofluorescence staining. RESULTS: IST or pCA treatment increased the production of immunostimulatory cytokines and nitrite and the expression of iNOS in RAW264.7 cells and splenocytes. IST or pCA also induced NF-κB signaling activation and promoted the phagocytic activity of RAW264.7 cells. In addition, the splenocyte proliferation and splenic NK activity were enhanced by IST or pCA. IST or pCA increased the levels of immunostimulatory cytokines in immunosuppressed mice and ameliorated splenic tissue damage. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that IST supplementation may be used to enhance immune function.

TSLP up-regulates inflammatory responses through induction of autophagy in T cells.

Thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP), a type I cytokine belonging to the IL-2 cytokine family, promotes Th2-mediated inflammatory responses. The aim of this study is to investigate whether TSLP increases inflammatory responses via induction of autophagy using a murine T cell lymphoma cell line, EL4 cells, and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-injected mice. TSLP increased expression levels of autophagy-related factors, such as Beclin-1, LC3-II, p62, Atg5, and lysosome associated membrane protein 1/2, whereas these factors increased by TSLP disappeared by neutralization of TSLP in EL4 cells. TSLP activated JAK1/JAK2/STAT5/JNK/PI3K, while the blockade of JAK1/JAK2/STAT5/JNK/PI3K signaling pathways reduced the expression levels of Beclin-1, LC3-II, and p62 in TSLP-stimulated EL4 cells. In addition, TSLP simultaneously increased levels of inflammatory cytokines via induction of autophagy by activation of JAK1/JAK2/STAT5/JNK/PI3K signaling pathways. In an LPS-induced acute liver injury (ALI) mouse model, exogenous TSLP increased expression levels of Beclin-1 and LC3-II, whereas functional deficiency of TSLP by TSLP siRNA resulted in lower expression of Beclin-1, LC3-II, and inflammatory cytokines, impairing their ability to form autophagosomes in ALI mice. Thus, our findings show a new role of TSLP between autophagy and inflammatory responses. In conclusion, regulating TSLP-induced autophagy may be a potential therapeutic strategy for inflammatory responses.

Development of an Abalone 3D Food Printing Ink for the Personalized Senior-Friendly Foods.

Notably for seniors, 3D food printing is an appropriate processing method for creating customized meals that meet their unique nutritional requirements and textural preferences. This study attempted to develop an ink for food 3D printers containing abalone powder and several nutrition properties that meet the criteria for senior-friendly foods. The texture of the products was adjusted using gelatin. The ink consisted of abalone powder (10%), soybean protein (4.5%), polydextrose (2.5%), vitamin C (0.0098%), and gellan gum (1%). To examine the physicochemical properties of the ink, texture, water holding capacity, and rheological properties were measured. In addition, the suitability of the 3D printing was examined. As a result, 3% gelatin 3D food printing ink demonstrated optimal printability and could be converted into foods that could be consumed in one step (teeth intake), depending on the types of food for seniors.

The immune-enhancing effects of a mixture of Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch.) Bunge, Angelica gigas Nakai, and Trichosanthes Kirilowii (Maxim.) or its active constituent nodakenin.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: A mixture (SH003) of Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch.) Bunge, Angelica gigas Nakai, and Trichosanthes Kirilowii (Maxim.) has beneficial effects against several carcinomas. There have been few reports on an immune-enhancing activity of SH003 and its active constituent nodakenin. AIM OF THE STUDY: This study aimed at identifying the immune-enhancing effect of SH003 and nodakenin. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The immune-enhancing effect was evaluated using RAW264.7 macrophages, mouse primary splenocytes, and a cyclophosphamide (CP)-induced immunosuppression murine model. RESULTS: The results show that SH003 or nodakenin stimulated the production levels of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor, IL-12, IL-2, IL-6, TNF-α, and nitric oxide (NO) and the expression levels of iNOS in RAW264.7 macrophages. SH003 or nodakenin also enhanced NF-κB p65 activation in RAW264.7 macrophages. SH003 or nodakenin stimulated the production levels of IFN-γ, IL-12, IL-2, TNF-α, and NO and the expression levels of iNOS in splenocytes. SH003 or nodakenin increased the splenic lymphocyte proliferation and splenic NK cell activity. In addition, SH003 or nodakenin increased the levels of IFN-γ, IL-12, IL-2, IL-6, and TNF-α in the serum and spleen of CP-treated mice, alleviating CP-induced immunosuppression. CONCLUSION: Taken together, the results of this study show that SH003 improved immunosuppression through the activation of macrophages, splenocytes, and NK cells. These findings suggest that SH003 could be applied as a potential immunostimulatory agent for a variety of diseases caused or exacerbated by immunodeficiency.

Ginsenoside Rg3 attenuates skin disorders via down-regulation of MDM2/HIF1α signaling pathway.

BACKGROUND: Thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) acts as a master switch for inflammatory responses. Ginsenoside Rg3 (Rg3) which is an active ingredient of Panax ginseng Meyer (Araliaceae) is known to possess various therapeutic effects. However, a modulatory effect of Rg3 on TSLP expression in the inflammatory responses remains poorly understood. METHODS: We investigated antiinflammatory effects of Rg3 on an in vitro model using HMC-1 cells stimulated by PMA plus calcium ionophore (PMACI), as well as an in vivo model using PMA-induced mouse ear edema. TSLP and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels were detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay or real-time PCR analysis. Murine double minute 2 (MDM2) and hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF1α) expression levels were detected using Western blot analysis. RESULTS: Rg3 treatment restrained the production and mRNA expression levels of TSLP and VEGF in activated HMC-1 cells. Rg3 down-regulated the MDM2 expression level increased by PMACI stimulation. The HIF1α expression level was also reduced by Rg3 in activated HMC-1 cells. In addition, Rg3-administered mice showed the decreased redness and ear thickness in PMA-irritated ear edema. Rg3 inhibited the TSLP and VEGF levels in the serum and ear tissue homogenate. Moreover, the MDM2 and HIF1α expression levels in the ear tissue homogenate were suppressed by Rg3. CONCLUSION: Taken together, the current study identifies new mechanistic evidence about MDM2/HIF1α pathway in the antiinflammatory effect of Rg3, providing a new effective therapeutic strategy for the treatment of skin inflammatory diseases.

Chloroquine attenuates thymic stromal lymphopoietin production via suppressing caspase-1 signaling in mast cells.

Thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) produced by mast cells is involved in allergic inflammation pathogenesis. Chloroquine (CQ) is known to be an anti-malarial drug; however, additional protective functions of CQ have been discovered. This study aims to clarify an anti-inflammatory effect of CQ through modulating TSLP levels using an in vitro model of phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) + A23187-activated human mast cell line (HMC-1) and an in vivo model of PMA-irritated ear edema. CQ treatment reduced the production and mRNA expression levels of TSLP in activated HMC-1 cells. CQ down-regulated caspase-1 (CASP1), MAPKs, and NF-κB levels enhanced by stimulation with PMA + A23187. Moreover, ear thickness in ear edema was suppressed following CQ treatment. CQ decreased CASP1 and NF-κB levels in the ear tissue. TSLP levels in the ear tissue and serum were reduced following CQ treatment. Collectively, the above findings elucidate that CQ inhibits the pro-inflammatory mechanisms of TSLP via the down-regulation of distinct intracellular signaling cascade in mast cells. Therefore, CQ may have protective roles against TSLP-mediated inflammatory disorders.

The immune-enhancing effect of anthocyanin-fucoidan nanocomplex in RAW264.7 macrophages and cyclophosphamide-induced immunosuppressed mice.

Aronia, a healthy fruit well known as black chokeberry, has health-promoting effects on hypertension, oxidative stress, and diabetes. Despite many reports of bioactivities of aronia, there is little scientific research on the potential for immune-enhancement. So, anthocyanin-fucoidan nanocomplex (AFNC, a nanocomplex of aronia extract and fucoidan) has been developed to improve immune-enhancement. This study aimed to identify immunomodulatory effects and underlying mechanisms of AFNC using RAW264.7 macrophages and cyclophosphamide-induced immunosuppressed mice. As a result, AFNC-treated RAW264.7 macrophages elevated the production of IL-2, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and nitric oxide (NO). AFNC-enhanced inducible NO synthase expression via nuclear factor-κB signaling pathways. AFNC dose-dependently increased levels of IL-2, IL-6, TNF-α, IL-10, IL-12, interferon-γ, or IL-4 in the serum and spleen of immunosuppressed mice. Taken together, AFNC encourages the immune-enhancing activity through immunostimulatory cytokine production by activation of macrophage. Therefore, these results suggest that AFNC is useful for immunodeficiency-related disorders. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: In these days of prevalence of infectious diseases, individual immunity is very important. AFNC has the immune-enhancing effects through immunostimulatory cytokine production by activation of macrophage. Therefore, AFNC could be widely applied to ameliorate a variety of diseases caused by immunosuppression such as infectious diseases.

p-coumaric acid, an active ingredient of Panax ginseng, ameliolates atopic dermatitis-like skin lesions through inhibition of thymic stromal lymphopoietin in mice.

BACKGROUND: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is associated with chronic skin inflammatory reactions. p-coumaric acid (pCA) is an active ingredient of Panax ginseng Meyer (Araliaceae). METHODS: Here, we estimated an anti-AD effect of pCA on activated mast cells, activated splenocytes, and a mouse model of AD. Cytokines levels were measured by ELISA and protein activation was analyzed by Western blotting. 2,4-dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB) was used to induce AD-like skin lesions. RESULTS: The treatment with pCA suppressed the productions and mRNA expressions of thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP), TNF-ɑ, IL-6, and IL-1ß in HMC-1 cells. pCA downregulated the expressions of RIP2 and caspase-1, phosphorylated-(p)p38/pJNK/pERK, and pIKKß/pIkBɑ/NF-κB in HMC-1 cells. pCA also decreased the productions of TSLP, TNF-ɑ, IL-6, IL-4, and IFN-γ in the supernatant of stimulated splenic cells. Comparing to DNFB-sensitized control group, pCA-treated group alleviated pathological changes of AD-like lesions. pCA decreased the proteins and mRNA expressions levels of TSLP, IL-6, and IL-4 in the skin lesions. Caspase-1 activation was also downregulated by pCA treatment in the AD-like lesions. The serum levels of histamine, IgE, TSLP, TNF-ɑ, IL-6, and IL-4 were suppressed following treatment with pCA. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that pCA has the potential to improve AD by suppressing TSLP as well as inflammatory cytokines via blocking of caspase-1/NF-κB signal cascade.

Dexamethasone Attenuates Oncostatin M Production via Suppressing of PI3K/Akt/NF-κB Signaling in Neutrophil-like Differentiated HL-60 Cells.

Oncostatin M (OSM) plays a role in various inflammatory reactions, and neutrophils are the main source of OSM in pulmonary diseases. However, there is no evidence showing the mechanism of OSM production in neutrophils. While dexamethasone (Dex) has been known to exert anti-inflammatory activity in various fields, the precise mechanisms of OSM downregulation by Dex in neutrophils remain to be determined. Here, we examined how OSM is produced in neutrophil-like differentiated HL-60 cells. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, real-time polymerase chain reaction, and Western blot analysis were utilized to assess the potential of Dex. Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) stimulation resulted in OSM elevation in neutrophil-like dHL-60 cells. OSM elevation induced by GM-CSF is regulated by phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt/nuclear factor (NF)-kB signal cascades. GM-CSF stimulation upregulated phosphorylated levels of PI3K or Akt or NF-κB in neutrophil-like dHL-60 cells. Treatment with Dex decreased OSM levels as well as the phosphorylated levels of PI3K or Akt or NF-κB in neutrophil-like dHL-60 cells. Our findings show the potential of Dex in the treatment of inflammatory diseases via blocking of OSM.

Effects of Resveratrol on Thymic Stromal Lymphopoietin Expression in Mast Cells.

Background and objectives: Cytokine thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of atopic diseases such as atopic dermatitis, allergic rhinitis, and asthma. Resveratrol (RSV) exerts various pharmacological effects such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and anticancer. Although, it has been verified the beneficial effects of RSV on various subjects, the effect of RSV on thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) regulation has not been elucidated. Materials and Methods: Here, we examined how RSV regulates TSLP in HMC-1 cells. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, real-time polymerase chain reaction, Western blotting, and calcium assay were performed to evaluate the effect of RSV. Results: TSLP production and mRNA expression were reduced by RSV. RSV down-regulated nuclear factor-κB activation, IκBα phosphorylation as well as activation of receptor-interacting protein2 and caspase-1 in HMC-1 cells. In addition, RSV treatment decreased the up-regulation of intracellular calcium in HMC-1 cells. Conclusions: These results suggest that RSV might be useful for the treatment of atopic diseases through blocking of TSLP.

A Comprehensive Phenotype of Non-motor Impairments and Distribution of Alpha-Synuclein Deposition in Parkinsonism-Induced Mice by a Combination Injection of MPTP and Probenecid.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is characterized by non-motor symptoms as well as motor deficits. The non-motor symptoms rarely appear individually and occur simultaneously with motor deficits or independently. However, a comprehensive research on the non-motor symptoms using an experimental model of PD remains poorly understood. The aim of the current study is to establish a chronic mouse model of PD mimicking the comprehensive non-motor symptoms of human PD by injection of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) and probenecid (MPTP/p). The non-motor and motor symptoms were evaluated by performing buried food, short-term olfactory memory, hot plate, open field, tail suspension, Y maze, novel object recognition, bead expulsion, one-h stool collection, rotarod, rearing, catalepsy, and akinesia tests after 10 injections of MPTP/p into mice. The expression levels of α-synuclein, glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) or DJ-1 were analyzed by Western blotting or immunostaining. MPTP/p-treated mice achieved to reproduce the key features of non-motor symptoms including olfactory deficit, thermal hyperalgesia, anxiety, depression, cognitive decline, and gastrointestinal dysfunction in addition to motor deficits. The MPTP/p-treated mice also showed the high levels of α-synuclein and low levels of TH and DJ-1 in striatum, substantia nigra, olfactory bulb, hippocampus, amygdala, prefrontal cortex, locus coeruleus, or colon. In addition, the expression levels of phosphorylated-α-synuclein and GFAP were elevated in the striatum and substantia nigra in the MPTP/p-treated mice. Taken together, our study clarifies that the chronic MPTP/p-treated mice have a variety of non-motor dysfunctions as well as motor abnormalities by α-synuclein overexpression and dopaminergic depletion. Therefore, the study of comprehensive phenotypes of non-motor symptoms in one PD model would advance in-depth understandings of neuropathological alternations and contribute to future strategies for PD treatment.

TSLP Exacerbates Septic Inflammation via Murine Double Minute 2 (MDM2) Signaling Pathway.

Thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) is crucial for Th2-mediated inflammation. Sepsis is a serious systemic inflammatory reaction with organ dysfunction by infection. However, the function of TSLP during sepsis is poorly understood. Thus, we investigated a role and regulatory mechanism of TSLP during sepsis. Sepsis was induced by lipopolysaccharides (LPS) or Escherichia coli DH5α injection in mice. TSLP levels were measured in human subjects, mice, and macrophages. TSLP deficiency or murine double minute 2 (MDM2) deficiency was induced using siRNA or an MDM2 inhibitor, nutlin-3a. We found that TSLP levels were elevated in serum of patients and mice with sepsis. TSLP deficiency lowered liver damage and inflammatory cytokine levels in mice with sepsis. TSLP was produced by the MDM2/NF-κB signaling pathway in LPS-stimulated macrophages. TSLP downregulation by an MDM2 inhibitor, nutlin-3a, alleviated clinical symptoms and septic inflammatory responses. Pharmacological inhibition of TSLP level by cisplatin reduced the septic inflammatory responses. Altogether, the present results show that TSLP exacerbates septic inflammation via the MDM2 signaling pathway, suggesting that TSLP may be a potential target for the treatment of sepsis.